Injection-moulding machine for processing plasticizable compounds

ABSTRACT

In the case of an injection molding machine for processing plasticizable materials, a structural unit, which includes at least a movable mold carrier, a stationary mold carrier and a closing arrangement of a mold closing unit, is supported on support elements on a machine base. A pivotal axis, about which the structural unit is pivotable, extends transversely relative to a closing axis. A drive unit is provided for pivoting and for displacing the structural unit and is connected pivotally to the machine base and at an articulation point to the structural unit, which articulation point is disposed at a spacing from a pivotal axis. Upon transferring the structural unit from the horizontal position into the vertical position, the drive unit initially pivots the structural unit and then also displaces it.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the priority of German Patent Application196 31 432.1, filed on Mar. 8, 1996, the disclosed contents of which arehereby expressly used also for the subject-matter of the presentapplication.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an injection molding machine for processingplasticisable materials such as, for example, plastics materials,pulverulent materials or ceramic materials according to the preamble ofclaim 1.

PRIOR ART

Such an injection molding machine is known, for example, from DE-A 20 20336, which forms the basis for the preamble of claim 1, or from DE-C 3214 728, not only to permit injection into the cavity of the injectionmold by means of an injection molding unit via an injection openingprovided in the mold, but to inject also into the parting plane, ifnecessary. However, a pivotal movement of the mold closing unit into avertical position is advantageous, even when working with inserts. Thebasic provisions therefor are hereby simultaneously created to injectvia the central sprue opening and into the parting plane by means of twoinjection molding units. For this purpose, it is necessary to pivot themold closing unit from the horizontal position, in which the closingaxis of the mold closing unit coincides with the injection axis of theinjection molding unit, into a vertical position, in order to permitaccess to the parting plane. However, since the pivotal axis of theentire mold closing unit, disposed on a pivotal frame, cannot extend upto the level of the injection axis, it is necessary to pivot theinjection molding unit via a first mechanical or manual drive and thento displace the parting plane, by means of a second unit in the form ofa worm drive, to a level where the injection molding unit can inject.Apart from the outlay required therefor, this has the consequence thatthere is no end position certainty, since the optimum pivotal positiononly needs to be set during the pivoting-back movement into thehorizontal position, more especially, so that the various drives areactuated several times.

It was hitherto assumed that a pivotal movement and a reliabledisplacement with the same drive unit are not possible. Basically, foran optimum pivotal movement without displacement if possible, it wouldbe necessary to position the pivotal axis on a level with the closingaxis. However, limits are set for these displacements of the pivotalaxis by the mold clamping chamber, since otherwise a transfer of thetool to the mold clamping chamber is hindered. In prior art, therefore,the pivotal axes were disposed as low as possible. On the other hand,the space below the mold clamping chamber was to be kept free for thedisposal of the injected parts and sprues, so that even this space wasnot occupied by a drive unit. In view of this, an attempt was made toeffect the rotation about a pivot which lies, if possible, externally ofa projection of the mold clamping chamber, and, in any event, to disposethe displacement mechanism in a space-saving manner laterally of themold clamping chamber.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

On the basis of this prior art, the basic object of the presentinvention resides in developing further an injection molding machine ofthe initially mentioned type, so that a pivotal movement into thevarious positions of the mold closing unit is rendered possible in aneconomical manner with as few driving means as possible.

This object is achieved by an injection molding machine having thefeatures of claim 1.

Only a single drive is now still basically required for the pivotalmovement, since the pivotal movement and the displacement, possiblyrequired; are accomplished by one and the same drive unit. The driveunit is pivotally disposed for such purpose, the desired effect ofaccomplishing all of the required movements with only one unit beingachieved because of the ratio in respect of the spacing between thepivotal axis and the articulation point of the drive unit. Because of adisplacement of the drive unit into a region which appeared unsuitablein prior art, it now becomes possible to dispose the operational axis ofthe drive unit so that it can simultaneously effect the pivotalmovement, and so that it is also capable, when a structural unit ispivoted, to apply the forces for displacing the structural unit.

Further advantages are found in the sub-claims.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the mold closing side of theinjection molding machine with the mold closing unit in the horizontalposition;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2—2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view, corresponding to FIG. 1, with a mold closing unitshown in the pivotal position;

FIG. 4 is a view, according to FIG. 1, wherein the mold closing unit istransferred into the vertical position; and

FIG. 5 is a view, according to FIG. 1, having a vertically extendingmold closing unit, wherein the parting plane is set to the level of theinjection molding unit.

BEST WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THE INVENTION

The invention is now explained more fully by way of example withreference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiments aremerely examples which are not to limit the inventive concept to anactual specific arrangement.

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of an injection molding machine, moreespecially a plastics injection molding machine, which is intended toprocess plasticisable materials such as, for example, plasticsmaterials, pulverulent materials or ceramic materials. The plasticisingcylinder of the injection molding unit S is thus indicated at the topright-hand corner and traverses the stationary mold carrier of the moldclosing unit. The mold closing unit S and the mold closing unit F aredisposed on a machine base 10. The mold closing unit accommodates a moldM between a movable mold carrier 11 and a stationary mold carrier 12(FIG. 3). The movement of the movable mold carrier 11 is effected via aclosing arrangement 13 which operates, for example, hydraulically orelectromechanically. The closing arrangement moves the movable moldcarrier 11 of the mold closing unit F along a closing axis s—s towardsthe stationary mold carrier 12 and away from said stationary moldcarrier.

In order to permit the pivotal movement of the mold closing unit, saidunit is disposed on support elements 15, which include at least themovable mold carrier 11, the stationary mold carrier 12 and the closingarrangement 13 of the mold closing unit F to form a structural unit. Theclosing arrangement 13 is supported on a supporting element 14, which isconnected to the stationary mold carrier 12 via bars 16. Instead ofthese bars, differently shaped force transmitting elements may also beprovided, which permit, for example, free access to the mold clampingchamber and thus extend around said chamber.

The structural unit is supported on the machine base 10. The structuralunit is pivotable about a pivotal axis, which extends transverselyrelative to the closing axis s—s, through at least 90° relative to themachine base 10, preferably from a horizontal position shown in FIG. 1into a vertical position shown in FIG. 5. In order to permit, ifnecessary, a displacement of the structural unit parallel to the closingaxis s—s, guides 20 are provided. This is especially necessary in orderto bring the parting plane, for injection into the parting plane, to alevel where the injection axis of the injection molding unit S lies. Inorder to effect the transfer of the mold closing unit, means aretherefore provided for the pivotal movement of the structural unit aboutthe pivotal axis 18, and means are provided for the displacement of thestructural unit along the guides 20. A drive unit A is provided as themeans for the pivotal movement and for the displacement, if required, ofthe structural unit and is connected pivotally to the machine base 10and at an articulation point 21 to the structural unit. In such case,the articulation point 21 is disposed at a spacing from the pivotal axis18.

It has proved advantageous for the articulation point 21 to lie above aline which extends through the pivotal axis 18 and the pivot point 28 ofthe drive unit A. In order, now, to effect the pivotal movement of thestructural unit initially and then to effect the displacement with thesame drive unit A, the operational direction of the linear drive, whichis configured as drive unit A, extends virtually at right angles to theguides 20 in the case of a horizontally disposed structural unit. Thelinear moving means 22 of the drive unit co-operates with the supportelement 15 of the structural unit. For transferring the structural unitfrom the horizontal position of FIG. 1, the structural unit is initiallypivoted into a vertical position shown in FIG. 4 and then upwardlydisplaced in the guides 20. In the horizontal position of the structuralunit, the pivotal axis 18 lies above the articulation point 21 on asupporting arm 23 supported on the machine base 10. On the other hand,the pivotal axis is connected to a bearing block 19, which engages inthe guide 20 and is thus connected to the support elements 15. FIG. 1shows that the pivotal axis 18, in the horizontal position of thestructural unit, is disposed with a greater spacing from the stationarymold carrier 12 than the articulation point 21. The disposition of thepivotal axis 18, the pivotal point 28 and the articulation point 21 isso selected that the desired sequence of pivotal and displacementmovements results. This disposition is so optimized that access to themold clamping chamber is not adversely affected.

In the case of a horizontally lying mold closing unit, the drive unit Aand the pivotal axis 18 lie in the region of the vertical projection ofthe mold clamping chamber between movable mold carrier 11 and stationarymold carrier 12. Both in the case of a horizontally lying mold closingunit F and in the case of a vertically extending mold closing unit F,the pivotal axis 18 and the articulation point 21 likewise each lie inthe region of a projection of the mold clamping chamber defined by themold carriers in their respective open position. A vertical projectionis involved in the case of a horizontally lying mold closing unit, and ahorizontal projection is involved in the case of a vertically extendingmold closing unit. The pivotal movement and displacement, if necessary,are facilitated by the disposition of the axes in this region, whichdoes in fact protrude into the mold clamping chamber but does not hinderan introduction of the mold M.

If the drive unit A is actuated from a position according to FIG. 1, theactuation of the drive unit leads to the structural unit being initiallypivoted into a position according to FIG. 3. Upon further actuation, thearticulation point likewise moves to the left in FIG. 3, so that aposition according to FIG. 4 results. In this position, the mold closingunit abuts with the bearing block against the end stop in the vicinityof the pivotal axis 18. In such case, especially when compared with FIG.5, FIG. 4 shows that, in this position, an injection from the injectionmolding unit S is not yet possible under circumstances which aresubstantially determined by the dimensions of the mold. For suchpurpose, the mold closing unit does in fact still have to be upwardlydisplaced, and such is also effected with the same drive unit. Thepivotal movement itself is terminated as soon as the support element 15abuts against the abutment 25. Upon further actuation of the drive unitA, another displacement of the mold closing unit can then only occurupwardly for the purpose of setting the parting level of the partingplane. However, during the return to the horizontal position, this leadsto the displacement movement also initially being effected, solelybecause of the force of gravity, for such a time until the bearing block19 abuts against an end stop in the vicinity of the pivotal axis 18, sothat a pivotal movement is only still introduced hereinafter, whichautomatically then leads to the optimum position of the mold closingunit for a horizontal injection.

In the embodiment, an electromechanical spindle drive is provided as thedrive unit, wherein, according to FIG. 2, a motor 27 synchronouslydrives two spindle drives via a drive shaft 29. Instead of the driveshaft 29, an electronic shaft may also ensure a co-ordination betweenthe spindle drives, if a particular motor is provided for each spindledrive. Also, of course, only one motor may be used, which should then,however, preferably centrally co-operate with the mold closing unit.Instead of the electromechanical drive, other types of drives may alsobe provided. Alternatively, the machine may also be provided in asimplified embodiment, in which the electromechanical drive is replacedby a manual drive, e.g. by means of a crank. With such an embodiment,more especially, the scale 26 and an indicator 26 a are thenadvantageous, since the dimension for the vertical adjustment of theparting plane can be positively determined thereby. An optimum pivotalmovement results when the pivotal axis 18 is positioned as far aspossible on the closing axis s—s in the horizontal position, orrespectively in the vertical position on an axis extending through theparting plane t—t. In this case, the displacement can possibly beeliminated, but a more accurate setting to various mold dimensions ispossible if the corresponding guides 20 are provided. According to FIG.4, an injection molding unit S′ may be pivoted with the stationary moldcarrier 12, while a second injection molding unit S is disposed on atable 30 and can be applied to the injection mold M once the partingplane has been set on this table 30.

A protective covering 17 is also pivoted with the structural unit andthe mold closing unit F, FIGS. 3 and 4 showing that the pivotal movementinto a recess in the machine base 10 is effected. The linear movingmeans 22—a spindle in the embodiment—is protected from contamination bya protective element 24.

It is self-evident that this description can be subjected to the mostvaried modifications, changes and adaptations, which vary within therange of equivalents to the appending claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An injection molding machine for processingplasticisable materials, comprising a machine base, a mold closing unit,which is disposed on the machine base and accommodates a mold between amovable mold carrier and a stationary mold carrier, a closingarrangement for moving the movable mold carrier of the mold closing unitalong a closing axis towards the stationary mold carrier and away fromthe stationary mold carrier, support elements, which form a structuralunit, supported on the machine base, at least with the movable moldcarrier, the stationary mold carrier and the closing arrangement of themold closing unit, a pivotal axis, which extends transversely relativeto the closing axis, and about which the structural unit is pivotablethrough at least 90° relative to the machine base, guides for displacingthe structural unit parallel to the closing axis, at least one injectionmolding unit (S,S′) for injecting the plasticisable material into themold (M), at least one drive unit for pivoting the structural unit aboutthe pivotal axis, the drive unit being pivotally connected to themachine base and at an articulation point to the structural unit, whicharticulation point is disposed at a spacing from the pivotal axis, alinear moving mechanism displacing the structural unit along the guides,the linear moving mechanism being pivotally mounted on the structuralunit, wherein the linear moving mechanism is part of the drive unitdisplacing the structural unit and also providing the pivotal movementof the structural unit, and in that in transferring the structural unitfrom a horizontal position, where the mold closing unit closes the moldhorizontally, the linear moving mechanism pivots the structural unitinitially into a vertical position and then displaces such in theguides.
 2. An injection molding machine according to claim 1, whereinthe operational direction of the linear drive, configured as drive unit,extends virtually at right angles to the guides when the structural unitis horizontally disposed.
 3. An injection molding machine according toclaim 1, wherein the pivotal axis is disposed on a supporting arm,supported on the machine base, when the structural unit is in ahorizontal position above the articulation point.
 4. An injectionmolding machine according to claim 1, wherein, when the structural unitis in the horizontal position, the pivotal axis is disposed at a greaterspacing from the stationary mold carrier than the articulation point. 5.An injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the driveunit, upon actuation, pivots the structural unit for such a time untilit abuts against an abutment on the machine base, and in that, uponfurther actuation of the drive unit, the structural unit is displaced inthe guides.
 6. An injection molding machine according to claim 1,further including a scale provided on one of two elements, consisting ofa bearing block and the support elements, and an indicator is providedon the other of these two elements, the level of a parting plane of themold being defined by said two elements, in which plane the horizontallyinjecting injection molding unit injects.
 7. An injection moldingmachine according to claim 1, wherein two electromechanical spindledrives are provided as the drive unit and are driven by a common motor.8. An injection molding machine for processing plasticisable materialscomprising: a machine base, a mold closing unit, which is disposed onthe machine base and accommodates a mold between a movable mold carrierand a stationary mold carrier; a closing arrangement for moving themovable mold carrier of the mold closing unit along a closing axistowards the stationary mold carrier and away from the stationary moldcarrier, support elements, which form a structural unit, supported onthe machine base, at least with the movable mold carrier, the stationarymold carrier and the closing arrangement of the mold closing unit, apivotal axis, which extends transversely relative to the closing axis,and about which the structural unit is pivotable through at least 90°relative to the machine base, guides for displacing the structural unitparallel to the closing axis, at least one injection molding unit forinjecting the plasticisable material into the mold, at least one driveunit for pivoting the structural unit about the pivotal axis, the driveunit being pivotally connected to the machine base and at anarticulation point to the structural unit, which articulation point isdisposed at a spacing from the pivotal axis, and a linear movingmechanism displacing the structural unit along the guides, the linearmoving mechanism being pivotally mounted on the structural unit, whereinthe linear moving mechanism is part of the drive unit displacing thestructural unit and also providing the pivotal movement of thestructural unit, and in that in transferring the structural unit from ahorizontal position, where the mold closing unit closes the moldhorizontally, the linear moving mechanism pivots the structural unitinitially into a vertical position until the structural unit abutsagainst an abutment and then the linear moving mechanism displaces thestructural unit in the guides.